What is the average annual temperature and amount of precipitation for Washington?
A true statewide average requires accounting for the variation of temperature and precipitation in mountainous and other uninstrumented areas using statistical techniques, as is done with the PRISM dataset from Oregon State University. Averaging that dataset over Washington for the 1991-2020 30-year period results in the following approximations:
- Average Temperature: 47.1°F
- Maximum Temperature: 56.8°F
- Minimum Temperature: 37.4°F
- Precipitation: 45.19 inches
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Where can I find historical weather and climate data?
There are a variety of sources online to obtain climate data for various purposes. Check out our Data and Tools Library for a curated, searchable list of various information sources and graphics. And, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, or if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, please contact us.
Where can I find drought-related information for Washington?
The OWSC, and other local and state agencies coordinate our efforts in assessing Washington’s current and future state of drought with the Washington Department of Ecology. For the most up-to-date information go to the WA Dept. of Ecology Water Supply website.
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What is the difference between climate and weather?
Climate is what you expect.
Climate is usually defined as averages (and other statistics) of weather variables over some period of time, usually 30 years. Weather observations eventually turn into climate records. “Climate forecasts” are usually expressed as shifts in the statistics of weather over the next 1-12 months.
Weather is what you get!
Weather is described in terms of temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, wind speed, and so on. A description of these variables at any given moment constitutes weather; weather forecasts are much more specific than climate forecasts.
What are the effects of climate change on Washington state?
For a comprehensive look at climate change affecting Washington and the wider Pacific Northwest, view the Climate Impacts Group special reports and the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute latest assessment report.
What constitutes a 100-year storm?
A 100-year storm means that there is a 1% probability that the amount of precipitation that falls during a specified length of time, will be equaled or exceeded at a location for any given year. A 100-year storm on one day does nothing to change your chances of seeing the same amount of rainfall from a similar storm on another day (in the same year). Similarly, a 10-year storm has a 10% probability of occurring. To find the amount of precipitation that constitutes a 5, 10, 50 or 100 year storm view: Isopluvial Maps of Washington.
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